Heucherellas

Hybridisation between species is quite common. However between genera is quite rare and is usually man made. Heucherella is a man made cross between Tiarella and Heuchera. The progeny are intermediate between the two but the flowers are generally more Tiarella like than Heuchera like. They are all sterile and thus the number of cultivars and the breeding is not so easy. There are only a few companies around the world doing this type of breeding with the two main ones being The Primorse Path from Pennsylvania and Terra Nova Nurseries from Oregon. I have taken the liberty of including the following historical notes written by Charles Oliver of the Primrose Path:

The first Heucherella to become well known in gardens was 'Bridget Bloom,' a hybrid between a pink Heuchera x brizoides and Tiarella wherryi. This was introduced by Blooms of Bressingham in 1955 and had the market to itself until 1983 when 'Rosalie' appeared. Both of these have pink flowers intermediate in form to Heuchera and Tiarella and green leaves with some maroon marking. In 1987 The Primrose Path tried a cross similar to that done by Blooms and in 1989 introduced a pink flowered variety, 'Tinian Pink,' and a white flowered sibling, 'Tinian White.' These were late renamed 'Pink Frost' and 'Snow White,' respectively, and resemble the earlier introductions.

The great diversity of varieties of Heuchera and Tiarella that appeared in the 1990s has made possible a tremendous number of possible new combinations for crosses, and many Heucherella, some with bronzy and cut foliage, have been introduced by The Primrose Path and Terra Nova. Part of the reason that Heuchera and Tiarella will produce hybrids is that they both have the same chromosome number (N = 7). The related genera Mitella and Tellima also have the same number of chromosomes and will probably produce hybrids, also. At The Primrose Path we found an unusual spontaneous seedling that seems to be a hybrid between Tiarella polyphylla and Tellima grandiflora . Unfortunately, it is of botanical interest only, with small green flowers, and rounded hairy leaves.

Heucherella are not as hardy to the hot humid conditions of northern Australia and the hot dry conditions of Western Australia as are the Heuchera. However with a little care in their placement and they will perform well. Generally they do not like to be over wet in the summer months. The breeders are working on this and the later cultivars like 'Quicksilver', 'Dayglow Pink', Burnished Bronze' and 'Kimono' seem to be a nit hardier.

 

Label fronts:

 

Label back:

General comments

Heucheras or Coral Bells as they are commonly called, are extremely attractive and hardy plants. They are evergreen that can be planted singularly or in groups. Heucheras make excellent border plants. They also perform well in tubs or underneath any medium sized flowering shrubs. Mature plants can be divided up and replanted in spring. There are many different forms of this delightful plant, collect them all and make your garden a colorful place to be.

'Burnished Bronze' description:

Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' produces masses of pink flowers on top of 30cm almost black stems from early spring to mid summer. The foliage combines the deep color of the new Heucheras with the deep cuts of the Tiarellas. The leaves are large and a deep chocolate bronze. Heucherellas are easy to grow preferring part shade in a cool spot with some summer moisture. Cut away the spent flower heads in late summer.

'Day Glow Pink' description:

Heucherella'Day Glow Pink' has brilliant pink flowers on top of pink stalks in late spring to late summer. The foliage is soft green with dark chocolate inlay. The leaves are deeply cut and the flowers hold well in the vase.Easily one of the more stunning garden plants to come out of the USA. Heucherellas are easy to grow preferring part shade in a cool spot with some summer moisture. Cut away the spent flower heads in late summer.

'Kimono' description:

Heucherella'Kimono' makes a spectacular 1m' wide clump with long pointed green leaves, each adorned with a wide black stripe down the center. Resembling a 'Tiarella' on steroids. It has spikes of soft tawny whote flowers in late spring. The foliage has a soft metallic rose sheen over winter. Heucherellas are easy to grow preferring part shade in a cool spot with some summer moisture. Cut away the spent flower heads in late summer.

'Quicksilver' description:

Heucherella 'Quicksilver' produces masses of pale pink flowers atop of 30cm bronze stems from early spring to mid summer. The foliage starts off with bronze veins weaving through the soft metallic grey foliage which then ages to silvery green. Like so many of these plant types the silver foliage then takes on a reddish hue during autumn and early winter. Heucherellas are easy to grow preferring part shade in a cool spot with some summer moisture. Cut away the spent flower heads in late summer.